Barcelona cruised into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey after an emphatic 5-0 win over Real Murcia on Wednesday.

Aleix Vidal played a starring role as Barcelona thrashed Real Murcia 5-0 on Wednesday thanks to a brilliant second-half display to secure an 8-0 aggregate win in the Copa del Rey.

Barca are hoping to win the competition for a fourth year in succession and had little difficulty seeing off Murcia, with Vidal – very much a fringe player at the club – catching the eye as Ernesto Valverde’s men booked their place in the last 16.

Paco Alcacer scored the opening goal after good work from the former Sevilla wing-back, though it was one of very few highlights in a tepid first half.

Barca stepped things up several notches after the break, playing with much greater attacking intent and they ultimately blew their visitors away.

It came as little surprise when the second goal came, as Vidal set up Gerard Pique before then getting himself in on the act with a fine header.